Just when I thought I had seen it all, one or more politicians pull a jaw-dropper. On Good Friday, an amendment to Senate Bill 281 that would've actually made criminals who used a gun do their jail time without early release for good behavior, passed in committee.
When Democrats realized what passed, committee chairman Del. Joe Vallario called for another vote, with protests and proof of violation of the rules, and defeated the pesky amendment.
Over a year ago the airport issue was resolved. We were told a letter would be sent to the FAA officially ending Carroll's airport expansion for the next 20 years.
A funny thing happened along the way to this year's budget process; a promise made to the education union is in jeopardy. Commissioners Doug Howard and Haven Shoemaker's argument for increased, unnecessary spending for education, when education has a $12.6 million slush fund of taxpayers' money, is falling flat with the public.
One should ask why the letter wasn't sent to the FAA last year as voted, and whose responsibility was it to write and send? I'd start with the chief of staff, but that's me.
It's obvious that Shoemaker changed his vote on Commissioner David Roush's most important issue -- the airport -- and I'm assuming he's expecting (dash of quid-pro-quo) Roush to vote on Shoemaker's newest, most important issue -- unnecessary, amplified spending. Why be willing to spend $5 mil to get $3 million?
Using Shoemaker's own words: "The county doesn't belong in the airport, rickshaw or any other business ... I won't change my vote on the airport ..." How can we trust him when he says he will or won't? How can we be sure all votes taken won't be revisited?
I'm not sure how the airport has suddenly become financially independent, nor do I see businesses flocking to Maryland, much less Carroll County. They're leaving in droves, and the so-called improved economy must be dancing only in Hampstead.
With the FAA juggling how to keep existing air traffic control towers open, where are they going to find the $50 million to expand our runway?
There are way too many questions on an issue that was supposedly settled by commissioners we used to trust. Both Howard and Shoemaker ran against the airport. They both said the education budget was bloated, yet now want it to grow larger.
Trust, once gone it ruins the best intentions. Betrayal seems to be the new normal for the majority of politicians.
Michelle Jefferson
Westminster
